Railing system

ABSTRACT

A railing apparatus includes an upper rail, a lower rail spaced below and generally parallel to the upper rail, and a plurality of balusters extending generally vertically between the upper and lower rails. Each baluster includes a hollow casing and a brace extending lengthwise within the casing, the brace having an upper end secured to the upper rail and a lower end secured to the lower rail.

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.60/990,208, filed Nov. 26, 2007, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The Applicant's teaching disclosed herein relates to railing systemsthat can be used with, for example, porches and stairways, and tocomponents of such railing systems.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,259 (Pratt) discloses a guard rail system fabricatedfrom standard-sized components, preferably extruded, including balustersfastened to a lower rail and to an upper retainer at fixed intervals.The balusters are provided with central bores for receiving fastenerssuch as screws through predrilled holes in the upper retainer and lowerrail. A hand rail is slip-fitted over the upper retainer in lockingrelation, to provide integrated guard rail sections. Guard rail sectionsso assembled are fastened to end posts, preferably using mountingbrackets having a flanged arm which nests in grooves or recesses in theupper retainer and lower rail to provide a safe, secure andaesthetically appealing guard rail.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,766 (Curatolo) discloses a deck railing sectioncomprising synthetic posts held spaced from one another by top andbottom rail members. Each of the rail members has a multiple piececonstruction including first and second interlocking synthetic railpieces and a metallic reinforcing insert. The insert has holes at postattachment locations along the insert. Each post has screw ports toopposite ends of the post. Rail members are secured to the posts bythreaded attachment members passing through the holes in the inserts andinto the screw ports of the posts. The first rail pieces are trappedbetween the posts and the inserts. The second rail pieces lock onto thefirst rail pieces hiding the reinforcing inserts internally of the railmembers.

SUMMARY

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to thedisclosure provided herein but not to define any invention. In general,this disclosure describes one or more methods or apparatuses related torailing systems and components thereof, and which can be used with, forexample porches and stairways of homes or other buildings.

According to one aspect, a rail for a railing system comprises an upperrail, a lower rail spaced below and generally parallel to the upperrail; and a plurality of balusters extending generally verticallybetween the upper and lower rails, each baluster including a hollowcasing and a brace extending lengthwise within the casing, the bracehaving an upper end secured to the upper rail and a lower end secured tothe lower rail.

Each brace can be constructed of metal. Each brace can comprise anextruded lineal cut to length. The upper rail can comprise an upper beamand the lower rail can comprise a lower beam, each beam extendinglengthwise of the respective rail. Each of the beams can be constructedof metal. The upper ends of each brace can be secured to the upper beam,and the lower ends of each brace can be secured to the lower beam. Eachbeam can comprise a proximal face directed towards the balusters, and adistal face opposite the proximal face. The upper rail can comprise anupper cover generally covering the distal face of the upper beam, andthe lower rail can comprise a lower cover generally covering the distalface of the lower beam. The upper rail can comprise an upper retainerextending lengthwise of the upper rail and disposed between the upperends of the balusters and the upper beam, and the lower rail cancomprise a lower retainer extending lengthwise of the lower rail anddisposed between the lower ends of the balusters and the lower beam. Theouter surface of each brace can engage an inner surface of the casingsuch that relative lateral movement between the casing and the brace isinhibited. The brace can have at least two screw bosses at each end foranchoring a fastener therein. The screw bosses can be generallyvertical. The screw bosses can comprise vertical channels having openends adjacent the proximal surface of the beam. The beam can haveapertures in registration with the open ends of the screw bosses forreceiving fasteners therethrough. The fasteners can comprise screws withthreaded shanks and a head at one end, the head can bear against distalsurface of beam, drawing beam and baluster securely together.

According to another aspect, a baluster assembly for a mounting betweenupper and lower rails of a railing section includes an elongate hollowcasing extending lengthwise between opposed first and second casingends; and a brace extending within the hollow casing and having firstand second brace ends generally coterminous with the first and secondcasing ends, the brace having brace screw bosses at each end forreceiving fasteners to secure the brace to said upper and lower rails.The brace can comprise an extruded aluminum lineal cut to length, thebrace extending continuously between the first and second ends.

Each brace can have a transverse extent configured to engage an innersurface of the casing, so as to inhibit lateral movement of casingrelative to brace. Each brace can have two screw bosses, laterallyspaced apart by a first spacing.

According to another aspect, a method of reinforcing a railing system isprovided, wherein the railing system including a plurality of hollowpolymeric baluster casings configured for installation in a generallyvertical orientation between upper and lower rails, the baluster casingshaving at least two casing screw bosses at either end for anchoring afastener, the two casing screw bosses at each end spaced apart by afirst spacing, the upper and lower rails each having a metal beamextending lengthwise thereof, the metal beam comprising apertures inregistration with the screw bosses of the baluster casings, and whereinthe method includes providing a plurality of braces each configured forinsertion in a respective casing, each brace having first and secondends and a length generally equal to the length of the correspondingcasing, and each brace having at least two screw bosses at each of thefirst and second ends, the brace screw bosses at each end spaced apartby a second spacing, the second spacing equal to the first spacing;inserting a brace in the baluster casings; aligning the brace screwbosses with the apertures in the beam; and inserting fasteners throughthe apertures and into the brace screw bosses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofarticles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and arenot intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a railing system according to oneaspect of the Applicant's teaching;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the railing system of FIG. 1 takenalong the lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the railing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a is an enlarged portion of the railing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 b is another enlarged portion of the railing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view of a baluster portion of the railingsystem of FIG. 1 taken along the lines 4-4;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a casing portion of thebaluster of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a brace member of the balusterof FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative baluster;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative baluster;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative baluster;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative baluster;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another example of a railingsystem;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper railing portionof the system of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a baluster portion of the system ofFIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a brace portion of the upper railing ofFIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide anexample of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodimentdescribed below limits any claimed invention and any claimed inventionmay cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. Theclaimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes havingall of the features of any one apparatus or process described below orto features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses describedbelow. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below isnot an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors orowners reserve all rights that they may have in any invention disclosedin an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in thisdocument, for example the right to claim such an invention in acontinuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim ordedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in thisdocument.

A railing system 110 in accordance with an example of one aspect of theApplicant's teaching can be seen in FIG. 1. The railing system 110comprises a pair of rails, (i.e. an upper rail 112 a, and a lower rail112 b) and a plurality of balusters 116 each extending generallyvertically between the rails 112 a, 112 b. In the example illustrated,the railing system 110 is shown in a horizontal configuration, withgenerally horizontal upper and lower rails 112 a, 112 b. The railingsystem 110 can also be configured for inclined applications, such asalong a staircase, with inclined rails and vertical balusters 116.

Each of the rails 112 a, 112 b is generally elongate, having opposedends adapted to be secured to uprights 118. The uprights 118 can be inthe form of, for example, but not limited to, walls, columns, or posts.In the example illustrated, the uprights 118 are in the form of newelposts.

Referring now to FIG. 2, each of the rails 112 a, 112 b can comprise abeam extending lengthwise of the respective rail 112 a, 112 b. In theexample illustrated, the upper rail 112 a comprises an upper beam 122 a,and the lower rail 112 b comprises a lower beam 122 b. The beams 122 a,122 b can be constructed of a structural material, the material havingproperties that are well-known and/or already accepted by local buildingcodes for use in railing systems. Additionally or alternatively, thestructural material used to make the beams 122 a, 122 b can havemechanical properties that are stable over time and that areconsistently reproducible from one manufacturing lot to another.Examples of structural materials from which the beams 122 a, 122 b canbe made include metal (ferrous or non-ferrous), wood, and/or fiberglass.In the example illustrated, the beams 122 a, 122 b are made of coldrolled steel.

Each beam 122 a, 122 b comprises a proximal face 124 directed towardsthe balusters 116, and a distal face 126 opposite the proximal face 124.The upper and lower beams 122 a, 122 b can optionally have a commonprofile. In the example illustrated, the beams 122 a, 122 b have acommon profile and are interchangeable with each other.

Each baluster 116 in the embodiment illustrated includes a hollow casing130 and a brace 132 extending lengthwise within the casing 130. Thecasing 130 can be made of a material that is generally non-structural,and the casings 130 can provide cosmetic or other ancillary benefits tothe railing system 110, rather than necessarily satisfying strengthand/or other performance requirements. In the example illustrated, thecasings 130 are made of polymer, such as an extruded vinyl.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the brace 132 of each baluster 116 can beconstructed of a structural material that, similar to the structuralmaterial of the beams 122 a, 122 b, has properties that are well-knownand/or already accepted by local building codes for use in railingsystems. Additionally or alternatively, the structural material used tomake the braces 132 can have mechanical properties that are stable overtime and that are consistently reproducible from one manufacturing lotto another. In the example illustrated, the braces 132 are made ofextruded aluminum lineals cut to a desired length to provide each brace132 with an upper end 132 a and a lower end 132 b, between which thebrace 132 extends continuously.

In the railing 110, the upper end 132 a of each brace 132 is secured tothe upper rail 112 a and the lower end 132 b of each brace 132 issecured to the lower rail 112 b. In the example illustrated, the upperends 132 a of each brace 132 are secured to the upper beam 122 a of theupper rail 112 a, and the lower ends 132 b of each brace 132 are securedto the lower beam 122 b of the lower rail 112 b.

To facilitate securing the braces 132 to the beams 122 a, 122 b, eachbrace 132 can have at least two brace screw bosses 134 at each end foranchoring a fastener 136 therein. More particularly, in the exampleillustrated, each brace 132 has two upper brace screw bosses 134 a atthe upper end 132 a and two lower brace screw bosses 134 b at the lowerend 132 b. The two screw bosses 134 can be spaced apart laterally by abrace screw boss spacing 137.

In the example illustrated, the brace screw bosses 122 a, 122 b aregenerally vertical and can comprise vertical channels 138 having openends 138 a, 138 b adjacent the proximal surface 124 of the upper andlower beams 122 a, 122 b, respectively. The vertical channels 138 canextend continuously along the length of each brace 132.

Each beam 122 a, 122 b can have apertures in registration with the openends of the brace screw bosses 134 for receiving the fasteners 136therethrough. In the example illustrated, the upper beam 122 a has upperapertures 140 a and the lower beam 122 b has lower apertures 140 b. Theapertures 140 a, 140 b can be spaced apart lengthwise along the lengthof the beam 122 a, 122 b by a lengthwise spacing 144, which can beselected to match the desired spacing between adjacent balusters 116.The two apertures in each pair of apertures can be spaced aparttransversely by a transverse aperture spacing 147 that can be equal tothe brace screw boss spacing 137.

The fasteners 136 can comprise screws with threaded shanks 150 and ahead 152 at one end thereof. Upon assembly, the head 152 can bearagainst the distal face 126 of the beam 122 a, 122 b, drawing the beam122 a, 122 b and baluster 116 securely together.

The rails 112 a, 112 b can be provided with a cover that can concealand/or enclose the beam 122 a, 122 b. In the example illustrated, theupper rail 112 a comprises an upper cover 156 a generally covering thedistal face 126 of the upper beam 122 a, and the lower rail 112 bcomprises a lower cover 156 b generally covering the distal face 126 ofthe lower beam 112 b.

The covers 156 a, 156 b can be made of a material that is generallynon-structural, and the covers can provide cosmetic or other ancillarybenefits to the railing system 110, rather than necessarily satisfyingstrength and/or other performance requirements. In the exampleillustrated, the covers 156 a, 156 b are made of polymer, such as anextruded vinyl. The vinyl can provide a good gripping surface thatremains warmer to the touch than would, for example, a metal cover.

The upper and lower covers 156 a, 156 b can optionally have a commonprofile. In the example illustrated, the upper cover 156 a has a profilethat is distinct from that of the lower cover 156 b. The upper cover 156a has an outer surface 158 a that is slightly more contoured (rounded)with recesses 160 on either side, which can facilitate being grasped bythe hand of a user. The lower cover 156 b has an outer surface 158 bthat is more rectangular (relative to the upper cover 156 a).

The covers 156 a, 156 b can be coupled to the beams 122 a, 122 b, to theends of the balusters 116, and/or to other elements of the rails 112 a,112 b. In the example illustrated, the rails include retainers to whichthe covers 156 a, 156 b can be coupled. The upper rail 112 a comprisesan upper retainer 162 a extending lengthwise of the upper rail 112 a anddisposed between the upper ends of the balusters 116 and the proximalsurface 124 of the upper beam 122 a. The lower rail 112 b in the exampleillustrated comprises a lower retainer 162 b extending lengthwise of thelower rail 112 b and disposed between the lower ends of the balusters116 and the proximal face 124 of the lower beam 122 b.

Further details of the brace 132 will be described, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 6. In the example illustrated, the brace 132 is generallyH-shaped in cross-section, having a two opposed arms 172 and a centralweb 174 extending between the arms 172. The channels 138 forming thebrace screw bosses 134 are located proximate the intersection of the web174 and the respective arms 172.

Each brace 132 has an outer surface 176, at least a portion of which isconfigured to engage at least a portion of the inner surface 178 of thecasing 130 such that relative lateral movement between the casing 130and the brace 132 is inhibited. In the example illustrated, the opposedends 180 of the arms 172 provide a portion of the outer surface 176 ofthe brace 132 that engages an the inner surface 178 of a first pair ofopposed sidewalls 182 of the casing, to inhibit motion in a firstlateral direction (up-down direction in FIG. 4). The brace screw bosses134 have laterally outermost surfaces 184 that form a portion of theouter surface 176 that engages the inner surface 178 of a second pair ofopposed sidewalls 186 of the casing 130, to inhibit motion in a secondlateral direction (left-right in FIG. 4), normal to the first direction.

The casing 130 can be provided with optional casing screw bosses 188 ateach end, which can be engageable with the fastener 136 (or anotherfastener) to secure the casings 116 to the rails 112 a, 112 b. In theexample illustrated, each casing 130 has two upper brace screw bosses188 a at the upper end and two lower casing screw bosses 188 b at thelower end. The two screw bosses 188 at each end can be spaced apart by acasing screw boss spacing 187. The casing screw boss spacing 187 can beequal to the brace screw boss spacing 137. Providing equal screw bossspacing 137, 187 can facilitate installation of casings 130 withoutbraces 132 in cases where braces are not required (for example, onground floor railing installations). The casings 130 can then beuniversal, in the sense that the same extrusion can be used with orwithout braces 132. Rotating the casing 130 by 90 degrees (or invertingthe casing 130 end-over-end by 180 degrees) can provide alignedregistration of the casing screw bosses 188 with the apertures 140 a,140 b in the beam 122 a, 122 b.

Referring to FIG. 7, another example of a baluster 216 is illustrated.The baluster 216 is similar to the baluster 116, and like features areidentified by like reference characters, incremented by 100. Thebaluster 216 can generally be interchanged with the baluster 116 in therailing 110, with some changes required such as, for example, thequantity and relative positioning of the apertures 140 a, 140 b in thebeams 122 a, 122 b.

The baluster 216 has a casing 230 and a brace 232. The brace 232comprises, in the example illustrated, a generally planar central web274 with brace screw bosses 234 extending along each opposed side edge.The brace 232 is sized to fit snugly within the casing on a diagonal,between opposed first and second corners 231 a, 231 b. The other twoopposed interior corners 231 c, 231 d of the casing 230 are providedwith casing screw bosses 288. The casing screw bosses 288 are spacedapart from each other by a casing screw boss spacing 287 which is equalto the casing boss spacing 237, and which defines a common screw bossdiameter centered about a central longitudinal axis of the baluster 216,and about which the four screw bosses are equally spaced at 90 degreeincrements.

Referring to FIG. 8, another example of a baluster 316 is illustrated.The baluster 316 is similar to the baluster 116, and like features areidentified by like reference characters, incremented by 200. Thebaluster 316 can generally be interchanged with the baluster 116 in therailing 110, with some changes required such as, for example, thequantity and relative positioning of the apertures 140 a, 140 b in thebeams 122 a, 122 b.

In the baluster 316, the casing screw bosses 388 and the brace screwbosses 334 are not spaced equally apart. Installing the balusters 316with the brace 332 requires a distinct aperture spacing 147 in the beam122 a, 122 b to match the spacing 337 between the brace bosses 332. Thiscan provide a failsafe and/or a visual indication as to whether or not abaluster 316 has been installed with or without a brace 332 in thecasing 330.

Referring to FIG. 9, another example of a baluster 416 is illustrated.The baluster 416 is similar to the baluster 116, and like features areidentified by like reference characters, incremented by 300. Thebaluster 416 can generally be interchanged with the baluster 116 in therailing 110, with some changes required such as, for example, thequantity and relative positioning of the apertures 140 a, 140 b in thebeams 122 a, 122 b.

In the baluster 416, the casing 430 is provided with interior supports491 for engaging the outer surface of the brace 432. In the exampleillustrated, the interior supports 491 have inner surfaces that engageopposing outer surfaces of each of the brace screw bosses 434, toinhibit lateral motion in one direction (left-right in FIG. 9). Theinner surfaces of the sidewalls 486 from which the supports 491 extendinhibit lateral motion in a second direction (up down in FIG. 9), normalto the first direction.

Referring to FIG. 10, another example of a baluster 516 is illustrated.The baluster 516 is similar to the baluster 116, and like features areidentified by like reference characters, incremented by 400. Thebaluster 516 can generally be interchanged with the baluster 116 in therailing 110, with some changes required such as, for example, thequantity and relative positioning of the apertures 140 a, 140 b in thebeams 122 a, 122 b.

In the baluster 516, the casing 530 is free of any casing screw bosses.The brace 532 has a web structure that is X-shaped in cross section,with four web segments 474 a, 474 b, 474 c and 474 d extending from acentral axis 475, and a respective brace screw boss 434 provided alongthe side edge of each web segment. [0055] Another example of a railingsystem 610 is shown in FIG. 11. The railings system 610 is similar tothe railing system 110, with like features identified by like referencecharacters, incremented by 500.

Referring also to FIG. 11, the railing system 610 includes an upper rail612 a including an upper beam 622 a and an upper cover 656 a coupled tothe upper beam 622 a. In FIG. 11, plastic covers 656 and casings 630have not been shown, so as to more clearly reveal the metal skeletalstructure. The upper beam 622 a can be constructed of metal and theupper cover 656 a (see FIG. 12) can be constructed of plastic. In theexample illustrated, the upper beam 622 a is constructed of aluminum. Atleast a portion of the outer surface of the aluminum beam 622 a(including the proximal face 624) can be painted to notch the colour ofthe cover 656 a and/or casings 630.

The railing system 610 further includes a lower rail 612 b extendinggenerally parallel to the upper rail 612 a and spaced vertically belowthe upper rail 612 b. The lower rail 612 b includes a lower beam 622 bconstructed of metal. The lower beam 622 b is, in the exampleillustrated, constructed of aluminum.

With reference also to FIG. 13, a plurality of balusters 616 areprovided, each baluster 616 extending generally vertically between theupper and lower rails 612 a, 612 b, and each baluster 616 including ahollow plastic casing 630 and a metal brace 632 extending verticallywithin the casing 630. Each brace 632 has an upper brace end 632 asecured to the upper beam 622 a and a lower brace end 632 b secured tothe lower beam 622 b. In the example illustrated, each brace 632 isconstructed of aluminum.

Each brace 632 has at least two brace screw bosses 634 at each of theupper and lower brace ends 632 a, 632 b. The upper beam 622 a and thelower beam 622 b have apertures 640 a, 640 b therethrough inregistration with the brace screw bosses 634. A plurality of bracefasteners 636 are provided for securing the braces 632 to the beams 622a, 622 b, each fastener 636 extending through one of the apertures 640a, 640 b and into a respective one of the brace screw bosses 634 inregistration therewith.

Each brace 632 has transversely spaced apart contact surfaces 676 thatengage opposed inner surfaces 678 of the casing 630, wherein lateralmovement of the casing 630 relative to the brace 632 is inhibited.

With reference also to FIG. 14, the upper beam 622 a has an upwardlydirected upper distal face 626 concealed by the upper cover 656 a, andthe upper beam 622 a has an upper proximal face 624 opposite the upperdistal face 626 and directed towards the balusters 616, the upperbaluster ends 632 a bearing directly against the proximal face 624 (FIG.12).

The upper beam 622 a comprises an extruded beam lineal includinglaterally spaced-apart attachment grooves 701 (FIG. 14) extendinglengthwise along the upper beam 622 a. The upper cover 656 a comprisesan extruded cover lineal having sidewalls 703 with laterally spacedapart and inwardly directed barbs 705 (FIG. 12) extending lengthwisealong the upper cover 656 a. The barbs 705 are received in the grooves701 for coupling the upper cover 656 a to the upper beam 622 a.

The railing system 610 can further include a mounting bracket 707 (FIG.11) at one or both longitudinal ends of the upper rail and/or the lowerrail 612 a, 612 b for securing the rails to an upright 618. The upright618 can be, for example, a wall, column, or newel post.

In the example illustrated, and with reference to attachment of theupper rail 612 a, one mounting bracket 707 is provided at each end ofthe upper rail. Each mounting bracket includes a generally planar firstflange 711 oriented parallel to the upper rail 612 a and secured to theupper beam 622 a, and a generally planar second flange 713 joined to thefirst flange and oriented vertically for securing the mounting bracket707 to the upright 618.

The extruded beam lineal can include integrally extruded bracketengagement members for engaging the first flange 711 of the mountingbracket 707 in sliding fit. In the example illustrated, bracketengagement members are provided, including a transverse support surface717 (FIG. 14) spaced vertically above a base panel 719 of the beam 622 aby a vertical web 721. The transverse support surface 717 extends acrossa central portion of the upper beam 622 a, and an underside surface 723of the first flange 711 bears against the transverse support surface 717(FIG. 12).

A bracket fastener 725 can be passed through an aperture in the firstflange 711 and anchored in the transverse support surface 717 for fixingthe first flange 711 to the upper rail 612 a. The transverse supportsurface 717 can be provided with an integrally extruded central scoreline 727 (FIG. 14) to identify a desired lateral position of thefastener 725. The vertical spacing between the transverse supportsurface and the base panel of the beam is, in the example illustrated,sized to accommodate the length of the fastener 725 so that the fastener725 does not protrude through the proximal face 624 of the beam 622 a.

In the example illustrated, the bracket engagement members furthercomprise a pair of top retaining segments 731 extending horizontallyinwardly from opposed sides of the upper beam 622 a (FIG. 14). Each topretaining segment 731 has a bottom surface 733 spaced at a greaterelevation than the transverse support surface 717 to receive thethickness of the first flange 711 therebetween (i.e. between thevertical position of the bottom surface 733 and that of the transversesupport surface 717) in sliding fit.

The bracket engagement members can further include a pair of sidewaysretaining segments 735 each extending generally downwardly fromrespective ones of the top retaining segments 731. Each sidewaysretaining segment 735 can have a side engagement surface 737 spacedvertically intermediate the bottom surfaces 733 of the top retainingsegments 731 and the transverse support surface 717. The side engagementsurfaces 737 are, in the example illustrated, configured to engageopposed lateral edges 739 of the first flange 711, and to receive thelateral extent of the first flange 711 between the laterally opposedside engagement surfaces 737 in sliding fit.

While the above description provides examples of one or more processesor apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other processes orapparatuses may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

1. A railing apparatus, comprising: a) an upper rail; b) a lower railspaced below and generally parallel to the upper rail; c) a plurality ofbalusters extending generally vertically between the upper and lowerrails, each baluster including a hollow casing and a brace extendinglengthwise within the casing, the brace having an upper end secured tothe upper rail and a lower end secured to the lower rail.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each brace is constructed of metal.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein each brace comprises an extruded linealcut to length.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper railcomprises an upper beam and the lower rail comprises a lower beam, eachbeam extending lengthwise of the respective rail.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein each of the beams is constructed of metal.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the upper ends of each brace are securedto the upper beam, and the lower ends of each brace are secured to thelower beam.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each beam comprises aproximal face directed towards the balusters, and a distal face oppositethe proximal face.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the upper railcomprises an upper cover generally covering the distal face of the upperbeam, and the lower rail comprises a lower cover generally covering thedistal face of the lower beam.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theouter surface of the brace engages an inner surface of the casing suchthat relative lateral movement between the casing and the brace isinhibited.
 10. A metal-reinforced railing system, comprising: a) anupper rail including an upper beam and an upper cover coupled to theupper beam, the upper beam constructed of metal and the upper coverconstructed of plastic, the upper beam having an upwards directed upperdistal face concealed by the upper cover; b) a lower rail extendinggenerally parallel to the upper rail and spaced vertically below theupper rail, the lower rail comprising a lower beam, the lower beamconstructed of metal; and c) a plurality of balusters extendinggenerally vertically between the upper and lower rails, each balusterincluding a hollow plastic casing and a metal brace extending verticallywithin the casing, each brace having an upper brace end secured to theupper beam and a lower brace end secured to the lower beam.
 11. Therailing system of claim 10, wherein each brace comprises at least twobrace screw bosses at each of the upper and lower brace ends, andwherein the upper beam and the lower beam have apertures therethrough inregistration with the brace screw bosses.
 12. The railing system ofclaim 11, further comprising a plurality of fasteners, each fastenerextending through one of the apertures and into a respective one of thebrace screw bosses in registration therewith.
 13. The railing system ofclaim 12 wherein the upper beam has an upper proximal face opposite theupper distal face and directed towards the balusters, the upper balusterends bearing directly against the upper proximal face.
 14. The railingsystem of claim 12, wherein each brace has transversely spaced apartcontact surfaces that engage opposed inner surfaces of the casing,wherein lateral movement of the casing relative to the brace isinhibited.
 15. The railing system of claim 10, wherein the upper beamcomprises an extruded beam lineal including laterally spaced-apartattachment grooves extending lengthwise along the upper beam, andwherein the upper cover comprises an extruded cover lineal havingsidewalls with laterally spaced apart and inwardly directed barbsextending lengthwise along the upper cover, the barbs received in thegrooves for coupling the upper cover to the upper beam.
 16. The railingsystem of claim 15, further comprising a mounting bracket at eachlongitudinal end of the upper rail, each mounting bracket including agenerally planar first flange oriented parallel to the upper rail andsecured to the upper beam, and a generally planar second flange joinedto the first flange and oriented vertically for securing the mountingbracket to an upright.
 17. The railing system of claim 16, wherein theextruded beam lineal includes integrally extruded bracket engagementmembers for engaging the first flange of the mounting bracket in slidingfit, the bracket engagement members including a transverse supportsurface spaced vertically above a base panel by a vertical web, thetransverse support surface extending across a central portion of theupper beam, an underside surface of the first flange bearing against thetransverse support surface.
 18. The railing system of claim 17, whereinthe bracket engagement member further comprises a pair of top retainingsegments extending horizontally inwardly from opposed sides of the upperbeam, each top retaining segment having a bottom surface spacedvertically above the transverse support surface and receiving thethickness of the first flange therebetween in sliding fit.
 19. Therailing system of claim 18, wherein the bracket engagement membersfurther comprise a pair of sideways retaining segments each extendinggenerally downwardly from respective ones of the top retaining segments,each sideways retaining segment having a side engagement surface spacedvertically intermediate the bottom surfaces of the top retainingsegments and the transverse support surface, the side engagementsurfaces configured to engage opposed lateral edges of the first flange,and to receive the lateral extent of the first flange between the sideengagement surfaces in sliding fit.
 20. A baluster assembly for mountingbetween upper and lower rails of a railing section, comprising: a) anelongate hollow casing extending lengthwise between opposed first andsecond casing ends; b) a brace extending within the hollow casing andhaving first and second brace ends generally coterminous with the firstand second casing ends, the brace having brace screw bosses at each endfor receiving fasteners to secure the brace to said upper and lowerrails.